Emirati Astronaut Boom Breaks Out as Men and Women Apply for Next Mission – Asgardia Space News

In September, UAE's first Astronaut, major Hazza Al Mansouri, spent a week on board the ISS, putting his country on the space scale forever, and getting important work done. To build on this foundation, the country gets ready for a second mission, having opened a registration for Emirati willing to go to space, on Friday. The first four hours saw more than a thousand applications,according to Salem Al Marri, Director of UAE Astronaut Program

Dubai Media Officereports that this call for aspiring astronauts, according to an official statement, 'marks new phase of theUAE'sspace exploration journey.'

Dubai's Ruler Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum who with all enthusiasm joined the initiative, said in a tweet: 'We're looking for a new Emirati astronaut for the UAE's second space mission... to those among our sons and daughters who see in themselves the energy and determination, register through the Mohammed bin Rashed Space Center.'

The requirements for the applicants include fluent English and high literacy in native Arabic, and a university degree. Previous astronaut training is not required, and current occupation is unimportant.

Major Al Mansouri gave Emirati manned space flight a perfect start with just the right vibe that inspires people nationwide to become a part of what goes far beyond a mission or even a generation.

The high level of interest for the second mission among applicants means that theUAE that established its Space Agency only in 2014, is well on the way to realizing its space ambitions with strong support from its citizens.

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Emirati Astronaut Boom Breaks Out as Men and Women Apply for Next Mission - Asgardia Space News